14 of the Best Things to Do in Thunder Bay with Kids
Things to Do in Thunder Bay with Kids
Thunder Bay was the last major city on our epic Northern Ontario road trip. This amazing city was definitely a highlight of our trip. With so many incredible experiences to be had and things to do in Thunder Bay, you will definitely want to spend several days exploring the area.
Thunder Bay is one of the largest cities in the province of Ontario, the second-largest city in Northern Ontario (behind Greater Sudbury), and is actually equal in size to France! After the amalgamation of Port Arthur and Fort William, Thunder Bay became a city in 1970.
Thunder Bay sits along Lake Superior, giving it its nickname the ‘Lakehead’. The city is the gateway to the prairie provinces and is brimming with natural scenery, fascinating history, and incredible architecture.
14 Best Things to Do in Thunder Bay
There are so many incredible things to do in Thunder Bay, that you could honestly spend an entire week in the city, and only scratch the surface of all there is to experience. Thunder Bay has much to offer for visitors looking to spend time exploring nature, sampling some good food, or learning about Ontario’s history.
1. Take a Stroll Along the Thunder Bay Waterfront
If you are looking to take a scenic stroll in town, head down to the waterfront and marina. This is where you will find, restaurants, cafes, hotels, and of course, amazing views of the Sleeping Giant.
Prince Arthur’s Landing has a flower-lined trail, a variety of art installations and sculptures, as well as a children’s playground. Sit and watch the boats come into the marina, have a picnic, or do a little photography.
Scattered throughout the waterfront area are a variety of interpretive plaques which give visitors some history of the area. For a peek into the area’s Indigenous culture, keep an eye out for the signs that speak about the Robinson Huron Treaty, Nanabijou (also known as Nanabozho), and the Sleeping Giant.
2. Submerge Yourself in History At the Thunder Bay Museum
Located in what was once the Fort William Police Station and Court House, the Thunder Bay Museum is home to three floors of galleries. The galleries showcase the incredibly rich heritage of Thunder Bay and Northwestern Ontario, with both fixed and rotating exhibits.
The first and third floors are where you will find the long-term exhibits that speak to over 10,000 years of Northern Ontario History. Learn about Thunder Bay’s judicial history, see the tools of survival made by the Ojibway and Cree people, marvel at a full-sized wigwam, or even read about the history of local soda pop production.
The second-floor gallery features travelling exhibits from other museums and organizations across the country. The exhibits rotate several times per year, so check the website for the latest details.
This year, you will find an exhibit from the Montreal Holocaust Museum, “And in 1948, I came to Canada”: The Holocaust in Six Dates. The exhibit commemorates the victims of the Holocaust and honours the survivors who made Canada their new home.
The museum is the perfect attraction to add to your list of things to do in Thunder Bay. Spend a couple of hours there or an entire afternoon; you are guaranteed to learn a thing or two!
3. Visit the Terry Fox Memorial
The Terry Fox Memorial Overlook is located just on the outskirts of Thunder Bay. This scenic spot overlooks Highway 17 and Lake Superior. The Memorial is a must-see on anyone’s list of things to do in Thunder Bay.
The memorial is dedicated to Terry Fox, an iconic Canadian athlete who lost his leg to cancer. He began his epic cross-country journey called the “Marathon of Hope,” in St. John’s, Newfoundland.
Terry ran a marathon each and every day, in order to raise money and awareness for cancer research. Unfortunately, Terry’s cancer spread to his lungs, and he was forced to abandon the run.
He passed away a short time later, becoming one of Canada’s greatest heroes. The memorial actually marks the endpoint of the Marathon of Hope.
At the Terry Fox Memorial, you will find a 9-foot-high bronze statue commemorating this incredible young man. There are plaques around the memorial where you can read up on some of Terry’s history, as well as benches for quiet contemplation.
To this day, the Terry Fox Foundation Ontario is responsible for organizing and continuing the largest fundraising events for cancer research in the world.
4. Climb the Waterfalls at Cascades Conservation Area
Cascades Conservation Area is just a short drive from the Thunder Bay waterfront. This beautiful area is a popular choice for the locals wanting a quiet hike in the beautiful poplar and birch forest.
With a choice of several walking trails, including a 775-metre paved Forest Trail Loop for people with accessibility concerns, there is no shortage of ways to explore Cascades’ beautiful forest. And don’t forget to view the spectacular rapids along the Current River!
After a scenic walk, head to the Pavillion to enjoy a picnic or barbeque with the family. While at the Pavillion, be sure to check out the interpretive displays highlighting the geological, hydrological and botanical features of the area.
5. Go for a Hike At Sleeping Giant Provincial Park
Established in 1944, Sleeping Giant Provincial Park has become quite popular in recent years. With incredibly scenic trails, awesome opportunities for fishing, boating, paddling, beaches, and camping, as well as cross-country skiing and snowshoeing in the winter, it’s no wonder that this park is a favourite.
Previously known as Sibley Provincial Park, it was renamed Sleeping Giant Provincial Park in 1988 as a way to pay homage to the human-like shape that the peninsula takes on when viewed from Thunder Bay. According to local Ojibway legend, the sleeping giant is actually Nanabozho, an entity which taught the Ojibway people their way of life.
According to legend, Nanabohzo shared the location of a rich silver mine with an Ojibway Chief. The Chief was told that if the white man were to hear about the mine, the Ojibway people would lose access and Nanabohzo would turn to stone.
Of course, the secret of the mine eventually got out. A huge storm then washed away all access to the mine, and Nanabohzo turned to stone, taking his place in Lake Superior.
The most popular trails include the Top of the Giant Trail and the Sea Lion Trail. The Top of the Giant is a 22 kilometre long out and back trail that takes you to the tallest cliffs in Ontario.
Portions of the hike are gruelling, but the views from the top are sooooo worth it! This hike should definitely be on your list of things to do in Sudbury if you are a hiker!
The Sea Lion Trail offers wonderful views as well and is a little more family-friendly. The trail is shorter, and the terrain is a lot easier to manage for beginners.
6. Learn About the Fur Trade At Fort William Historic Park
The Fort William Historical Park is one of North America’s largest living history attractions, and should definitely be added to your list of things to do in Thunder Bay. Step inside and be instantly transported to the 1800s!
This 250-acre park offers guided tours, which give you the opportunity to peek inside a variety of buildings on the property. Check out the apothecary, a canoe shed, or even the personal dwellings of the people who called Fort William home back in 1816.
But one of the things that make Fort William Historical Park truly special, is that it focuses on the important role that First Nations people played in the fur trade that helped to shape what Canada is today. Although the story is told from a European perspective, you don’t just hear of the struggles of the Northwest Trading Company, but of its Indigenous partners as well.
7. Chase Waterfalls at Kakabeka Falls Provincial Park
Kakabeka Falls was one of our favourite stops on our Northern Ontario road trip. If you love to chase waterfalls, then definitely add this provincial park to your list of things to do in Thunder Bay!
Known as the “Niagara of the North”, Kakabeka Falls stands at a height of 40 metres (131 ft) and is said to be the second tallest waterfall in Ontario, next to the Horseshoe Falls in Niagara. The boardwalk and lookout points make it really easy to enjoy and admire this gorgeous waterfall from several different points.
Located just 30 minutes from downtown Thunder Bay, the park is open for day-use all year round, and for camping from June until October. Be sure to take advantage of the family-friendly hiking trails, as well as dropping into the visitor centre and gift shop.
8. Enjoy the Jaw-Dropping Views From the Tallest Point in Ontario
Something that should definitely be on your list of things to do in Thunder Bay, is to make the trip up to Mount McKay. Mount McKay in the First Nations community of Fort William, is where you will find the highest point in Ontario, and one of the best views of Thunder Bay and the Sleeping Giant.
For a small entrance fee, you will be able to travel about three-quarters of the way up Mount McKay. There, you will find the pow wow grounds, several monuments, and the lookout point. If you are looking to reach the top of Mount McKay, you will also find hiking trails that will take you to the peak.
Unfortunately during our trip to Mount McKay, we were met with smoky views from the forest fires. We also got turned around a couple of times trying to find the access point, as the GPS kept taking us in the wrong direction! There are signs along the road once you get in the general area, however.
9. Eat Some Finnish Pancakes
Did you know that Thunder Bay is home to one of the largest Finnish populations outside of Finland? In fact, Fins began to settle in the area in the 1870s, and now make up approximately 11% of Thunder Bay’s population.
As a result, one of Thunder Bay’s local delicacies is Finnish Pancakes. There are several places in town, including Rooster’s and Niva’s, where you can get your hands on this delicious staple.
10. Dig For Gems at an Amethyst Mine
One of our kids’ favourite items on our list of things to do in Thunder Bay, was our visit to Amethyst Mine Panorama. This is one of the largest and most established amethyst mines in North America and has been in operation since 1955.
Amethyst is purple quartz, which is a semi-precious stone, and also happens to be the official gemstone of Ontario. Amethyst Mine Panorama offers a guided tour of the mining area, as well as an opportunity to search for your own amethyst pieces.
Grab a pail and head out into the yard. The amethyst is everywhere! The kids had a blast searching for just the right pieces, which totally meant we were leaving with a full bag!
The Amethysts are sold by weight and are quite reasonably priced, making it easy to purchase all your treasure. You can purchase larger pieces that are laid out on tables.
If you are looking for something a little more delicate like jewellery, head into the gift shop for an incredible collection of beautiful pieces.
11. Hike To Dorion Tower and the Pinnacles
The Dorion Tower and Pinnacles are definitely one of the more difficult natural wonders to access in Thunder Bay. Not only will you need a high-clearance vehicle to get to the trails, but the hike itself is quite difficult in many spots.
The Pinnacles are located North of Highway 11/17, not far from Eagle Canyon Adventures. But travelling along Tower road is rough, so be prepared!
The hike takes approximately 20 minutes but can be quite technical in certain areas. There are a couple of streams to cross and rocky trails to navigate, but the views of the Pinnacles are definitely worth the effort!
If you are keen on reaching the base of Dorion Tower, you will need to follow an additional trail down to the bottom of the cliff. This will take another 20 minutes, and involves a challenging scramble down a steep hill.
If you are interested in climbing the Dorion Tower, we would highly recommend the use of a local guide such as Outdoor Skills and Thrills.
12. Put Your Courage to the Test on Canada’s Longest Suspension Bridge
Located near the town of Dorion, Eagle Canyon Adventures should definitely be on your list of things to do in Thunder Bay! Test your sense of adventure as you walk across Canada’s largest suspension bridge. And if you have nerves of steel, try out the incredibly fast zipline!
Eagle Canyon’s suspension bridge is approximately 183 metres (600 feet) in length and offers jaw-dropping views of the canyon. And just a heads up, although it’s only a short hike to get to the suspension bridges (there are actually two), the path is rough and there is a steep hill from the parking area.
The shorter bridge comes first. From there, you will have awesome views of both the longer bridge and the canyon below.
If you are afraid of heights, this is probably NOT the attraction for you. The bridge moves and sways quite a bit, making it a little nerve-wracking.
The Eagle Canyon Zipline is approximately 800 metres (half a mile) long and sits at a dizzying 53 metres (175 feet) high. Riders can expect to reach speeds of 72 kilometres per hour (45 miles) or more as they zip down the middle of the canyon!
13. Take in the Wonder of Ouimet Canyon
Ouimet Canyon Provincial Park was by far, one of the most memorable items on our list of things to do in Thunder Bay. Taking its name from the former Canadian Pacific Railway Station of the same name, the park protects the incredible Ouimet Canyon.
If you are looking for a short hike with incredible rewards, Ouimet Canyon is the place for you! There is a small picnic area next to the parking lot as well as the trailhead. Cross a short bridge and follow the forested 1 km loop trail and boardwalk to two lookout platforms that sit along the canyon’s edge.
There, you will be treated to some pretty jaw-dropping views of the one-kilometre-deep canyon below. The interpretive display panels at the lookout will explain more about the significant features of this natural wonder.
And aside from the incredible beauty, what makes the canyon so special, is that you will actually find plant life that is native to the sub-arctic tundra. Incredibly, these plants would typically only be found over 1,000 km north, which makes sense seeing as the canyon was formed by glaciers millions of years ago.
Somehow, the plants have managed to survive in the unique conditions and climate below the rocks on the canyon floor. In fact, ice can also be found on the canyon floor throughout much of the summer!
14. Sink Your Teeth into a Local Delicacy
You definitely can’t leave Thunder Bay without sinking your teeth into a Persian from The Persian Man. This local delicacy has deep roots in this Northern Ontario town, and they are Dee-lish!
A “Persian” is an oval-shaped pastry that’s deep-fried and frosted with pink icing. It’s very similar to a cinnamon bun, only with a berry-flavoured frosting that’s out of this world!
The Persian Man supports a different local charity every month. So be sure to pick up the special Persian of the month, and help support a good cause while crushing your sweet craving!
How to Get to Thunder Bay
Thunder Bay is located approximately 1401 km northwest of Toronto. If you are driving, you would take Highway 400 North to the Trans-Canada Highway (Hwy 69, then Hwy 17) north. The Trans-Canada will take you directly into the city, before continuing north.
If you are coming from a distance, you can fly into the Thunder Bay International Airport. From there, you can easily rent a car for your visit to Thunder Bay and the surrounding area.
Where to Stay in Thunder Bay
There are a ton of great places to stay in Thunder Bay. Depending on your budget and your preferences, you can find anything from Airbnbs to boutique hotels and everything in between.
The Courthouse Hotel was definitely a favourite with us. Although there was no swimming pool (a must with the kids), we couldn’t resist staying in this unique accommodation.
Built in 1924, the Courthouse Hotel is one of Thunder Bay’s oldest historic buildings. The hotel is located in the heart of downtown Thunder Bay and has incredible views of the harbourfront, the iconic Sleeping Giant as well as Lake Superior.
The rooms in this gorgeous boutique hotel are spacious with high ceilings, modern bathrooms, and really comfy beds! Not only is there plenty of free onsite parking, but we also enjoyed a continental breakfast via room service.
For something a little more budget-friendly, head to the Hampton Inn and Suites. The hotel was clean, family-friendly and had a decent-sized swimming pool. It also wasn’t too far from many of the attractions we were planning to visit.
There was plenty of free on-site parking and a really great hot breakfast included. The hotel was also close to gas stations, shopping, restaurants, and grocery stores.
You can find a complete list of Thunder Bay accommodations here.
Where to Eat in Thunder Bay
Thunder Bay has a really decent food scene, where you can find pretty much anything your heart desires. From gourmet restaurants to craft breweries, cafes and mom-and-pop establishments, there is no shortage of selection.
We chose to eat at the Red Lion Smokehouse. This great little place had a nice outdoor patio and was located in the heart of the downtown area. Finding parking was a little tricky, as it was street parking only.
The Red Lion Smokehouse had some incredible burgers, yummy ribs, as well as a nice selection of craft beer. We definitely left full and ready for a walk!
If you are looking for a cool treat on a hot day, give Prime Gelato a try! Located in downtown Thunder Bay, this little shop had some incredible gelato!
I was super-impressed with their yummy selection of dairy-free gelato! Flavours like Wild Blueberry Lemonade (dairy-free) and Banana Dulce de Leche were to die for! Buy a single-serve, or a pint to take home.
Final Thoughts on the 13 Best Things to Do in Thunder Bay
Thunder Bay was one of our favourite stops during our Northern Ontario road trip. With all of the natural beauty and the rich culture of the city at our fingertips, we truly had an amazing time exploring all the amazing things to do in Thunder Bay. This is one place we are looking forward to visiting again!
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